Fans have quickly fallen in love with Dexter Sol Ansell as Aegon “Egg” Targaryen in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest entry in the ever-expanding world of Game of Thrones. As the young royal traveling alongside Ser Duncan the Tall, Dexter brings this iconic and beloved character from George R. R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg stories to life.
During a recent interview with Awards Buzz, the young actor opened up about auditioning for the massive HBO series, shaving his head for the role, bonding with his co-stars, and what fans can expect from Season 2.
Jeff Conway: First of all, congratulations. I loved you as Egg on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. You do such a great job on there, young man.
Dexter Sol Ansell: Thank you so much.
Jeff Conway: Can you summarize how this Egg role first got your attention and how you felt when you first learned that you got the acting job?
Dexter Sol Ansell: It was 2024, I think, when the first audition came through and it wasn’t A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. It had nothing to do with Game of Thrones. I think it was about a boy or another TV show or film that we read in for, and we had an idea of what the character might be like, but we had no idea it was medieval or anything like that.
We did the audition and recalls, and eventually we went to Lucy Bevan’s office where we first understood that it was Game of Thrones. I didn’t know what Game of Thrones was, so I had no clue. I was like, “Is it a game about thrones?” My mum told me all about what it actually is and how big it is, so it was really, really exciting.
Then we were told that I’d have to shave my hair if I got the role, and that was a big thing. I was worried I’d have a bad-shaped head. That was honestly my biggest concern. But eventually we got the call at home and I got the job. It was utterly amazing. I didn’t think I’d ever get a job this high level.
Jeff Conway: You also have a wonderfully shaped head, so it all worked out well.
Dexter Sol Ansell: Yeah. (Laughs)
Jeff Conway: Since getting the role, have you watched any bits of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon?
Dexter Sol Ansell: Before I got the role, I hadn’t watched any of it and didn’t know anything about it. But since then, I’ve watched little tiny clips — none of the bad stuff — but little clips of dragons swooping in during House of the Dragon and cool things like that.
Jeff Conway: What parts of Egg do you feel relate to who you are, and what parts are completely different from you?
Dexter Sol Ansell: Well, he’s royalty and I’m not royalty. I wish. (Laughs)
I’m not bald in real life either — well, not usually. I don’t hate my family. I love my family. But we are very similar in a lot of ways. We both love adventure and going off and having fun. Obviously, I don’t want to kill people, but we definitely share that adventurous spirit.
Jeff Conway: Can you talk about your relationship with your co-star Peter Claffey off-screen?
Dexter Sol Ansell: We’re definitely best friends. Off-camera and on set we always played chess games. We’re pretty even now. At the start I was definitely much better, but then Finn Bennett, who plays Aerion, taught Peter some things and now it goes back and forth.
Most weekends we go to the arcade and play Mario Kart. I beat him though. I’m serious. When you beat him, you’re better than Peter. (Laughs)
I also used to win all the tickets at this hammer machine game where you have to hit it not too hard and not too soft. I figured out how to trick it, but then the guy at the arcade reprogrammed it, so now I can’t do it anymore.
Jeff Conway: These productions are so massive and detailed. Can you speak about what impressed you most about the sets and world-building?
Dexter Sol Ansell: When I was on set in Ashford Meadow, you could really walk through everything and if you went into any of the tents, they were filled to the brim with detail. It’s absolutely perfect.
You think maybe it’s all plastic or fake, but it’s actually beautiful and made from real material. Everything feels gritty and handmade. It really feels authentic.
Jeff Conway: Since the show has come out, have you noticed your life changing at all?
Dexter Sol Ansell: Sometimes when I walk around people notice me, which is fun. Everyone’s really nice and friendly. It’s changed a bit, but not drastically. I still feel like normal Dexter.
Jeff Conway: How has this role changed the way you look at acting?
Dexter Sol Ansell: It’s helped me so much. Owen Harris and Sarah Adina Smith on the first season really helped me. Being part of such a massive production taught me loads of things and helped me grow as an actor.
At first it was this huge “wow” moment, but over time it really helped me improve and understand acting better. It was a great experience.
Jeff Conway: Looking ahead, what types of roles would you love to do next?
Dexter Sol Ansell: I’d love to do something more like Wonka — singing and dancing and that sort of thing. I think that would be really fun.
With Egg, I discovered I could do comedy, emotion, and even sing a little bit. I didn’t realize I could do all those different things before this role.
Jeff Conway: I know Season 2 is currently in production. What are you most excited for fans to see next from Egg?
Dexter Sol Ansell: The action. I’ve got a bit more action this season and I’m really excited for everyone to see it.
We’ve got some amazing stunt teams and choreography people helping us.
Jeff Conway: Lastly, if you could speak directly to Egg after playing him all this time, what advice or warning would you give him?
Dexter Sol Ansell: I’d tell him to be careful at Summerhall and to always appreciate Dunk because he’s done so much for him.
